What Mazda i-Activ AWD Means for Canadian Drivers

Rain in the morning, wet leaves at lunch and frost by evening: Canadian roads can change several times in a single day. All-wheel drive is one of the first features many shoppers ask about for that reason. Mazda's system has its own name, i-Activ AWD, and it works a little differently from what many people expect.

So what does it do, and how does it help on an ordinary drive? This guide explains i-Activ AWD in plain language, shows how it works with other Mazda technologies, and lists the models that have it.

What Is i-Activ AWD?

i-Activ AWD is Mazda's all-wheel drive system. It can send engine power to all four wheels instead of two. The key idea is that it works on its own, all the time, without any input from the driver.

The system continuously monitors how the vehicle's weight is distributed and shifts power to the wheels that can use it best. Because it is always watching, it responds to changing conditions almost instantly. You do not need to press a button or pull a lever. You simply drive, and the system does its job in the background.

Mazda describes the result as grip through snow, rain and gravel. In daily life, that means steadier starts from a slippery intersection, more stability on a wet highway ramp and less drama on an unpaved cottage road.

How It Works With G-Vectoring Control Plus

i-Activ AWD has a partner. Every CX-30 and CX-5 also comes with G-Vectoring Control Plus, often shortened to GVC Plus.

GVC Plus manages the load on each tire as you steer. That reduces the small steering corrections drivers make without noticing, which makes the vehicle feel calmer and cuts fatigue on long trips. Mazda notes that the technology is even more effective in rain and snow and on poor road surfaces. The "Plus" part adds a light touch of braking to the outer wheels as you straighten the steering wheel, which helps the vehicle settle after a lane change or a quick move around an obstacle.

The latest CX-5 and CX-30 go a step further with a brake limited-slip differential. If one wheel starts to slip, the system uses the brakes to help send power to the wheel with grip.

• i-Activ AWD: decides which wheels get power
• G-Vectoring Control Plus: keeps the vehicle stable and predictable through turns
• Brake limited-slip differential: improves traction when one wheel loses grip

Drive Modes for Tougher Conditions

Most of the time, i-Activ AWD needs no help. For rougher surfaces, Mazda gives you extra tools.

The CX-5 has Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, known as Mi-Drive, with Normal, Sport and Off-Road modes. Each mode adjusts the transmission and the AWD system to suit the conditions. Every CX-30 comes with Off-Road Traction Assist, which helps the vehicle keep moving on loose or uneven ground. The larger CX-70 and CX-90 add Kinematic Posture Control, which reduces body lift in tight corners so the tires stay planted.

Ground clearance helps too. The CX-30 sits 203 mm off the ground and the CX-5 sits 204 mm, which is useful in deep slush or on a rutted gravel road.

Which Mazda Models Have i-Activ AWD?

Mazda makes all-wheel drive easy to find. On its SUVs, you do not have to hunt for the right trim or pay extra for it.

• CX-30: standard on every trim
• CX-5: standard on every trim
• CX-70 and CX-90: standard on every trim, including plug-in hybrid models
• Mazda3 and Mazda3 Sport: available on GS and GT, standard on GT Turbo

That last point is worth a second look. The Mazda3 is a compact sedan and hatchback, and it can be equipped with the same all-wheel drive technology found in Mazda's SUVs. If you prefer a car to an SUV and still want four driven wheels, Mazda has you covered.

Does AWD Replace Winter Tires?

It is a fair question, and the answer is no. All-wheel drive helps you get moving and stay stable. Tires are what grip the road when you brake and steer. The two do different jobs, and they work best as a team.

Think of i-Activ AWD as one layer of help. Winter tires are another. Mazda's i-Activsense safety features, such as Smart Brake Support and Blind Spot Monitoring, add one more. Careful driving for the conditions ties them all together.

i-Activ AWD at a Glance

Learn More at Metrotown Mazda

Reading about all-wheel drive is helpful, and feeling it on the road is even better. If you are curious about how i-Activ AWD fits your driving, visit the team at Metrotown Mazda in Burnaby. We are glad to answer your questions and point you toward the Mazda that suits you.